The Local
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Gloucestershire North 20,000 DELIVERED JANUARY 2015 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WE WISH ALL OUR READERS A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS 2015
As a successful and well established Estate Agent with an excellent reputation for customer service, within the Tewkesbury area, we are delighted to announce our expansion to include Winchcombe and the surrounding Cotswold villages. Call today for a professional, friendly and effective estate agency service.
01684 293246 01242 243698
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Meet the Team ... Advertising Leonie Euwin leonie@thelocalanswer.co.uk
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Welcome to January ... A very happy New Year to all our readers, advertisers and contributors! Now the festivities are over, it’s back to the real world and for those of you looking to start the year with a health-kick, check out our ‘Looking Good, Feeling Great’ feature for some tips on sleeping well. We have some great features to help you get your year off to a good start and beat those January blues, as well as some New Year’s resolution ideas that could help ‘Save the Planet’. Our new photo competition ‘Picture Perfect’ got off to a great start with some wonderful entries – make sure you enter this month’s ‘Most Romantic Gesture’ competition for your chance to win a wonderful three-course meal and bottle of Champagne for you and your partner courtesy of Wine & Sausage restaurant at The White Hart Inn. Have a read about The Corner Cupboard Inn’s fantastic food, and why not try making this month’s cocktail – or if you’re doing a January detox, try the mocktail instead.
Inside this month ... Delicious Dishes 5 Pet Care 8 Cocktail Time 10 Health & Beauty 10 Mirror Mirror on the Wall 11 Looking Good, Feeling Great 13 Style & Fashion 15 Parenting & Guardianship 17 Holidays & Travel 18 What’s On 21 Quick Crossword 20 Picture Perfect 26-27 Homes & Gardens 28 In the Garden 31 Interior Design 33 Save the Planet 39 Sudoku 43 Professional Services 45 Money Matters 45 Motoring 47 Word Search 48 Gadgets & Gizmos 49 Index, Competitions, Solutions 34
Competitions: 23, 24, 25 & 27 Page 3
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Delicious Dishes with Helen Kingscott
Winter Warmer – Chicken Pie This deliciously creamy chicken pie is sure to warm you up over the winter months! Serves 6-8 Ingredients: 300ml white wine; 600ml chicken stock; 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.7kg); 2 bay leaves; 5 sprigs of thyme; 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 leeks, halved and sliced; 2 celery sticks, sliced; 1kg potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes; 75g butter; 75g plain flour; 100ml double cream; 75g mature cheddar, grated; bag of spinach. Method: 1 Pour the wine and stock into a large saucepan, add the chicken, breast side up, the bay leaves and thyme. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for one hour.
2 Add the carrots, leeks and celery to the pan, bring back to the boil, then simmer for a further 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Remove the herbs and discard, then transfer the chicken and vegetables to a bowl. Strain the cooking liquid into a large jug – you’ll need 900ml altogether, so if it comes up a bit short, add a little more hot stock. 3 Put the potatoes in a pan of cold salted water, bring to the boil and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender and then drain. Remove the meat from the chicken and chop. Return it to the bowl with the vegetables. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (fan 180). 4 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over a high heat, add the flour and whisk for one minute. Gradually add the 900ml of hot cooking liquid and whisk until you have a smooth, think sauce. Season to taste, then remove from the heat. Pour half of the source over the chicken and vegetables in the bowl, mix together, then spoon into a 2-3 litre ovenproof dish. 5 Add the double cream to the remaining sauce, stir in the cooked potato cubes, season and pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden on top and bubbling. Serve with wilted spinach.
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Perfect presentation and fantastic food Combine quality and style with comfort and intimacy and you get the perfect recipe for a fantastic experience at the Corner Cupboard Inn. Situated in the beautiful village of Winchcombe, the Corner Cupboard has a warm and cosy feel, with lovely red and gold décor, candles lit on every table and staff who make you feel right at home. The menus are very smart and there is a great selection of dishes, including Indian meals that can also be ordered as a take away for your convenience. Owner Jason Hobbs likes to mix up his menu to keep options fresh and exciting, though he also keeps track of popular dishes so as not to remove any obvious favourites. To get the ball rolling, I opted for Southern Fried Chicken strips with a fresh salad garnish and BBQ sauce, while my guest chose Farmhouse Pâté accompanied by a salad garnish, red onion marmalade and crunchy toast. We both agreed the presentation was wonderful, the portion sizes were very generous and we enjoyed the starters so much that our waitress said she’d never seen the boards so clean! Following a brief moment of worry that we wouldn’t make it through another two courses, we powered on to the main dishes. After much deliberation over the numerous options, I decided on Hoisin Duck with fresh vegetables, noodles and beansprouts served with Basmati rice. The duck melted in my mouth, the vegetables added a lovely crunch to the dish and the Hoisin sauce left my lips tingling.
My guest selected Winchcombe Lamb Hotpot, which combined locally source lamb, tasty root vegetables and a rich mint gravy, topped with fine sliced potato and served with green beans, peas, cabbage and bacon. She said the lamb was lovely and tender and the plentiful mint gravy was delicious. Finally, it was time for dessert – and what a choice. Twelve different puddings and a further seven flavours of ice cream – I was in heaven! My White Chocolate and Raspberry Roulade with vanilla ice cream and redcurrant, blackcurrant and strawberry compôte was divine. The meringue was light and fluffy and the white chocolate drops strewn throughout the roulade were a tasty surprise. My guest enjoyed her Treacle Tart and custard just as much and thought the presentation with chocolate twists, toffee sauce, strawberries and a dusting of icing sugar finished off the dessert perfectly. Nowadays, it’s rare to find an eatery where you enjoy every single part of the meal as much as we did – from start to finish, the Corner Cupboard Inn was simply superb.
CORNER CUPBOARD INN Freshly cooked food - from bar snacks to three course meals - served in the relaxed, warm environment of our beautiful 15th Century Inn
FREE BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE for every table of 4 people ordering main courses
on production of this advert during January 2015 – excluding Super Saver Menu
OPEN Mon-Sat 10am-Midnight & Sun 11am-Midnight FOOD SERVED Mon-Fri 12-3pm & 6-9pm, Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm
83 Gloucester Street, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LX Tel: (01242) 602303 www.cornercupboardwinchcombe.co.uk The Local Answer
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Pet Care
DRAGON
with Oliver Wilkinson of Dragon Vet Centre
Why is my pet scratching? Have you got an itchy pooch or a scratching cat? Are you woken in the middle of the night by the sound of a paw thumping on the ground or the flapping of ears? Does your cat scratch itself to the point of making its skin sore or licking itself bald? These are all very common symptoms of dermatitis and skin pruritus (itchiness). Persistent itchy skin can be quite distressing for you and your pet, driving you both to distraction! There are a variety of common causes of the itchy pet but most will fall into one of three categories – parasites, allergies or infections. The number one trigger of skin itch in pets is still fleas and flea bite allergies. Some cats and dogs are very sensitive to flea saliva and only a few bites can trigger an intense irritation. Conversely, other pets can be inundated with fleas and are barely bothered. A flea comb is a cheap and useful diagnostic tool at home but, even if you can’t see any evidence of fleas, a good monthly preventative treatment is the first thing to do with any itchy patient. Not all flea treatments are that effective, so make sure you are using a really strong, safe treatment. Mites are another common parasite and are impossible to see with the naked eye – the mange mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) is common in wildlife (classically seen in foxes) and causes an intense itchiness that is hard to distinguish from other causes of itch. A blood test or skin scrape will usually detect the presence of the mange mite and weekly injections or topical treatments are effective.
Lots of effective medications Allergies are commonplace and – believe it or not – dogs can get a form of hay fever. However, instead of the itchy eyes and sinus symptoms that humans get, dogs tend to react to pollens and airborne allergens by getting dermatitis. They can also be allergic to house dust mites, fungal spores and even cats! It is possible to do allergy testing in pets and ultimately a desensitisation vaccine can be made up for severe cases. Food allergies are less common but can also trigger skin problems. A simple hypoallergenic food trial is sensible for any persistent skin problem. Several brands of pet foods are made for skin allergies or you can make a home cooked hypoallergenic diet by changing the protein and carbohydrate sources in the diet. Finally, skin infections – both bacterial and fungal – can cause irritations. These can also be seen as opportunistic infections when the skin is inflamed due to allergies or parasites, so a careful examination and sometimes various diagnostic tests are needed to work out the underlying trigger of a skin problem. There are lots of effective anti-inflammatories, medicated shampoos and skin supplements that can ease skin irritation and, in really frustrating cases, we may choose to do skin biopsies and allergy tests to get to the bottom of the itch. If your pet is persistently bothered by sore itchy skin come in and talk to us about what we can do to help. Page 8
Established in 1904, Dragon Vet Centre in Cheltenham is a centre of excellence for pets – large and small – and offers a full range of services from routine vaccinations, worming and flea prevention to complex internal medicine investigations, orthopaedic and key hole surgery for dogs and cats. As one of the largest veterinary practices in Cheltenham, Dragon can draw on the expertise of a number of vets with a great deal of experience in all fields of veterinary medicine and surgery. Our Cheltenham Vet clinic is staffed 24/7 so in the event of an emergency, registered clients simply need to call and attend our surgery based at the Cheltenham racecourse where there is unlimited free parking.
THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER
CONSULTATIONS
ONLY £20 PLUS FREE FLEA & WORM TREATMENT FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS The above discount is available throughout January 2015 – limited to one DRAGON voucher per household
DRAGON VET CENTRE Prestbury Park, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
01242 580 324 ~ info@dragonvet.co.uk Opening hours: 8.15am-7pm Mon-Fri & 8.15am-1pm Sat 24 hour On Site Emergency Service ~ 01242 522 022
www.dragonvet.co.uk
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A fantastic offer just for you! The Local Answer have teamed up with holiday agent Miles Morgan Travel to bring you – our readers – a unique offer. You have the chance to save £100 on any holiday valued at £2,000 or more when you book before 31st January 2015! If you haven’t already sorted out your annual getaway – or you fancy an extra mini-break – there’s plenty of inspiration for holiday destinations on the website – www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk. On any
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Alternatively, give the highly experienced Cheltenham team a call or drop in for a chat – Kylie, Amy, Judy and Pauline will use their extensive knowledge of worldwide resorts, ho £2,000 liday valued a cities and attractions to find you the very best t or m before 3 ore booked holiday at the best possible price. 1-1-2015 Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, a fun family holiday or an exciting time away with friends, why not take advantage of your chance to save money and book now! So, what are you waiting for? Simply sit back, relax and let the team at www.milesmorgantravel.co.uk 01242 808549 Miles Morgan Travel craft the perfect holiday 18 Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier, Cheltenham, GL50 1SW for you!
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Page 9
with Lois Kingscott
HayleyR with
Cocktail Time £5 PER CLASS
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CLASSES See website for full addresses and more information
Monday ~ 6-6.55pm ~ Pittville Pump Rooms, Cheltenham Monday ~ 7.30-8.30pm ~ Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester Wednesday ~ 6-7pm ~ Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Gloucester Wednesday ~ 7.30-8.15pm ~ Ribston Hall High School, Gloucester Thursday ~ 7-8pm ~ Prestbury Hall, Bouncers Lane, Cheltenham
A calorie-busting DANCE FITNESS PARTY for EVERYBODY and EVERY BODY! Guaranteed energy boost and serious case of THE SMILES at every class! with HayleyR hayleyr.zumba@hotmail.com ~ www.hayleyr.zumba.com
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FREE COFFEE & BISCUITS in January 2015
Open every day from 7am until dusk www.shiptongolf.co.uk
White Russian The White Russian was originally a variation on another vodka drink – the Black Russian. This drink is thought to have originated in Brussels in 1949, and it soon became popular due to its ease of creation and smooth flavour. The introduction of cream to change the drink’s colour produced the official White Russian cocktail. Though fresh cream is preferred, milk is an acceptable substitute. The cocktail experienced a brief flurry of popularity in the 70’s before fading out for two decades. The White Russian was then immortalised in 1998 by the movie ‘The Big Lebowski’. Initially something of a flop, the film didn’t reach cult status until 2002 when it ignited the White Russian’s popularity once more. There are many variations on the drink, including the Blonde or Blind Russian that substitutes the cream for Irish Cream. Ingredients: Ice; 30ml fresh cream; 30ml kahlua (coffee liqueur); 90ml vodka. Method: 1 Pour cream, kahlua and vodka into a cocktail shaker. 2 Shake well and strain over ice into a low ball glass.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Why not have a Mocktail? For a non–alcoholic alternative, mix 30ml fresh cream with 30ml non-sweetened coffee flavoured syrup. Page 10
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Mirror Mirror on the Wall... with Katie Pollard
Fresh start, fresh face! A new year for some means a fresh start – a new year for beauty means a fresh face! The time has come to take a look ahead to what’s trending for spring/summer ’15 (SS15) and, with the winter colour palettes on their way out, the new season brings an array of colours and textures to play with. Granted, there are some you wouldn’t imagine yourself wearing – most of the looks parading the catwalks wouldn’t exactly look appropriate for, let’s say, getting the groceries! But for those of you who like to experiment with the contents of your make-up bag, this is what the New Year has in store for you. First up is the ‘wet look’, introduced by Alexander Wang, where it literally is a fresh start with a fresh face! The ‘wet look’ encourages healthy skin with the appearance of little or no make-up at all, to give the impression of a postparty glow. Think glossy brows and shiny eyelids, as opposed to a sweaty complexion! This really is the definition of less is more – a fresh faced glow is what we all want to achieve with our post-Christmas detox. The designers at Emilio Pucci have focused their attention on eyes and you’ll be relieved to hear it’s not the ‘feline flick’ (which I’m sure many of you know can sometimes take forever
to create!). It’s time to put down your eyeliner and pick up your mascara. This look is all about ‘doll eyes’ – think spidery long lashes where bigger is better! Eyelash curlers are great for helping you to create this – apply the mascara generously, combing upwards until you have your wide-eyed look. If curlers don’t work for you, you can always buy your own ready-made eyelashes from your local Boots or Superdrug and for this trend, look out for ‘Eylure’, which would be perfect for this. Our next trend makes quite the statement – purple is the new black. For those of you who, like me, are a lover of wearing black, this could be easier said than done. However, the likes of Vera Wang and Matthew Williamson are creating bold, colourful eyes with the use of pastel palettes to coordinate with the floral prints of SS15. Imagine 70’s glamour with a lilac finish, a hint of lavender and flowers in your hair – not only for festival goers, but perfect for those summer parties on the patio.
Last but not least we can talk smokey eye but, as with the previous trends, nothing heavy – noticing a pattern? This comes from the likes of Roberto Cavalli and Carolina Herrera, who are embracing the ‘sandy smoky eye’. Think a palette of warm, relaxed, rich tones of bronze and browns, creating the perfect daytime smokey eye – wearable for every day not just for the dressier evenings. As you’ll have noticed by now, the beauty looks of SS15 are understated and accentuate classic minimalism, which often gets ignored when it comes to applying make-up. Remember, less is more, so make the most of flaunting your natural glow this year!
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David Parker and Nick Cafearo are celebrating the completion of their BRAND NEW GYM FACILITY at Winchcombe’s popular Body4you Gym with HALF PRICE Gym Membership or Personal Training when you join during the months of January and February 2015.
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Looking Good, Feeling Great with Matt Wagstaff
Sleep better and feel better A poor night’s sleep, or developing a poor sleeping pattern, can lead to a variety of negative health problems – from a higher chance of becoming obese or developing Type 2 diabetes, to becoming more stressed and unfocussed in the work place. The hormone cortisol is produced in excess in people who sleep less. It can attack the immune system, leading to an increased risk of illnesses, and it also damages the skin leading to less elasticity – making you look older, among other health complications. Having an efficient sleep pattern, an optimal sleep duration of between 7-10 hours and an effective before-bed routine can have positive effects on health and productivity, as well as helping to reduce in stress. Following some simple steps can increase the likelihood of getting a good night’s sleep and waking up feeling refreshed!
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK Eating before bed – especially a big meal – can prevent you from sleeping as your body will be attempting to digest the meal. Therefore, your body will not be able to go through its usual before-sleep routine of cooling you down and relaxing you via the release of melatonin into your blood stream. Avoiding caffeinated food and drinks is also a good idea – caffeine increases your heart rate and releases adrenalin hormones and cortisol for up to six hours, making it hard for your body to cool down and relax.
CUT OUT THE LIGHT Artificial light coming from televisions, computers and light bulbs can effect sleep – especially the blue-light given off. This gives the brain the feeling that it is still daytime and, therefore, it does not start the usual stages of relaxing and cooling down. Avoiding very bright screens and mobile phones in the hour before bed will give your brain the signal to start the sleep cycle.
issue, especially when there is a long list of things you need to do the following day or a big project to plan. Stressing too much while attempting to sleep releases cortisol, which stops the natural sleep cycle and makes it hard to switch off. Getting into a planned routine before bed can help you to relax more easily, and making a list of the things that need to be done the following day, and an action plan, can reduce your brain from over thinking and help you switch off.
EXERCISE
Being physically active in the day can have big benefits on getting a good night’s sleep. Fatiguing the body and mind can encourage the body to sleep at night, helping the recovery process. Exercise also improves blood flow and temperature control, which helps your DE-STRESS BEFORE body to cool before bed. Exercising in the BED morning or approximately 4-5 hours Trying to turn your brain before bed is optimal, as this gives the off before bed can be an body time to cool before bedtime.
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Page 13
Let’s Talk Courses Low Mood
? ? ? ? ? Emotional Wellbeing Sleep
?
Anger
Stress and Anxiety
Mindfulness
? ? ? L?Teta’slk ? Panic
Getting Active
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Low Self-Esteem Negative Thinking
? ? ?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Let’s Talk is Gloucestershire’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service – free from your local NHS.
We offer free psychological / educational courses across the county. They are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and are intended for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health difficulties. They are not group therapy and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. You will have tasks to complete between sessions to help you make changes. Our NEW courses are: Using CBT to Help You Manage Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Find dates and book on a course near you by visiting our website
https://courses.talk2gether.nhs.uk or call 0800 073 2200 We request you only book on one course at a time. I have enjoyed this course, lots of information and discussions.
It’s good spending time with people with similar issues.
I feel I can now manage my illness by changing some things in my life.
Foundation Trust For Gloucestershire
Style & Fashion with Sophie Perry
New Year, New Look Just as politics and fashion have been so closely knitted in the past – Margaret Thatcher and the 80’s power dressing – so it is today. In Vivienne Westwood’s Spring Summer 2015 (SS15) catwalk, the models were dressed in Thatcher inspired pinstripe suits and oversized shoulder pads, with ‘YES’ badges on – a final push for Scottish Independence. Chanel’s SS15 catwalk saw Karl Lagerfeld stage a feminist fashion protest. For what to wear this coming season, look out for styles from Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton, as well as fashion icon and great advocate of feminism – Emma Watson. This year expect to see denim jackets with quirky alterations such as plastic collars and ostrich feathered trimmings.
“Fluff” – as it was referred to in Simone Rocha’s SS15 collection – is already amongst our winter wardrobe, as it edged our party frocks and adorned our shoes, and will now continue into 2015. In the spring you’ll see it on cutesy dresses, clutches and staple denim jackets. With the quick turnover of fashion trends it’s always great to see things cross over seasons – if not for our pocket, but the environment as well. Other pieces to hold onto include those sports-inspired pieces as showcased in Topshop’s Unique SS15 collection – no doubt this will filter down into their High Street pieces. Look up Anya Hindmarch’s ‘Fixation’ collection. Her playful catwalk display emulates her fun approach to fashion, with handbags drenched in leather stickers that take you back to school days. The Spring Summer 2015 colour palette is all about earthy organic tones. The inspiration for this was taken from the idea of relieving ourselves from the fast paced, instantaneous lifestyle that technological advances have brought us. Women should expect to see blues,
oranges, greys, mint greens and deep reds, and men should be on the look out for cool blues/greys, forest greens, soft sandy tones and subtle lilacs. There is a cross over of palettes between men and women, which both get their inspiration from the same source – an ideal of bringing a non-synthetic, organic feel to this summer, embodying the rich colours of our planet. JW Anderson’s menswear collection illustrates these earthy tones brilliantly. Topman’s SS15 collection shouts 70’s with flared trousers, oversized collars, bold flower prints and jazzy shirts – no doubt we’ll also see double denim. Bucket hats – despite coming back into fashion before – have now also hit the catwalk. With regards to outerwear, look for the classic Parka and boxy jackets. Katie Eary’s cowboy inspired designs also had a hint of the 70’s comeback with an array of psychedelic colours and prints.
Distributors Required For a few hours each month in the following areas:
Walton Cardiff, Priors Park & Tewkesbury Town Centre Each round is made up of 150-400 copies per month. The rate of pay is 6 pence/copy. Depending on property types, our current team of people average between 100-150 copies/hour (equivalent to £6-£9/hour). Magazines are delivered to Distributors’ homes towards the end of each month and we expect deliveries to be completed within four days between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You must be 13+ years old, flexible, reliable and sufficiently physically fit to perform the duties.
The Loca l
ANS WER YOUR FAVOURITE, MOST USEFUL MAGAZINE
Gloucestershire 133,000 DELIVERED JANUARY 2015 www.thelocalanswer.co.uk
EATING OUT EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS HEALTH & BEAUTY HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL PROPERTY HOMES & GARDENS SERVICES PETS SHORT WALKS RECIPES VOUCHERS COMPETITIONS WIN A ROMANTIC VALENTINES EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE!
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Page 15
Parenting & Guardianship with Roberta Smart
How to beat the January blues For those with teenagers in the house, January can be a trying time. There’s the come-down after Christmas, the back to school blues and an array of new stresses and challenges to deal with. Year 9 are choosing their options for GCSE, which can be daunting for everyone involved, especially for those who are struggling at school. For older students exam time is looming, with mock exams for year 11 and SATS for the primary students being mentioned at every turn. As parents the best we can do is ensure our kids are feeling well supported. Try to make sure they are eating well, getting enough sleep and watch out for signs of stress that often show at this time of year.
KEEP TALKING Remember to keep communication lines open. Talk to your kids, talk to their teachers – they won’t bite – and encourage your kids to talk to people outside the family that they most trust
and admire. Very often, those outside can see what we as parents cannot. To get the family back on track and reconnected, think about ways in which you can capitalise on the dark nights and cold weather to really enjoy your time together. Watch a film, play a board game or just talk about your day – whatever you do, just do it as a family.
With so many recipes available online as well as a wealth of cookbooks for all ages and stages, there really couldn’t be a better time to try.
HAVE FUN IN THE KITCHEN One way to reconnect is with healthy meals – especially after the sugar fest of Christmas. January is a great time to get the kids into the kitchen, learn some basic cooking skills and prepare some healthy meals for all the family. The chopping of vegetables for a hearty stew, the weighing and mixing of ingredients for a cake for Sunday tea or the fun of making their own tortillas with loads of choices of fillings can all be a great way to spend quality time together, learn new skills and get those fussy eaters weaned off their sugar addiction.
LET IT GO! If your kids were lucky enough to receive oodles of new toys at Christmas, January can also be a great time to have a clear out. Sort those bedroom piles into ‘Trash’ ‘Donate’ and ‘Keep’ piles, encouraging the children to help choose what to let go of, including those toys and books they have outgrown. Charity shops always need donations and, after receiving so much, it can be very balancing to encourage children to move things along. Give things away and let go of what they no longer need or want, especially when they know they are doing something good for someone else. Maybe they would like to choose a charity that feels important to them? However you choose to spend your winter months, remember to get outside, enjoy the air and, who knows, maybe you could even build a snowman?
SWIMMING LESSONS Weekday evenings Only £40 for 10 lessons
Classes are limited in size, with up to 8 children in a beginners class and up to 12 in improvers classes
To book or for more informa on contact us on Tel: 01684 293953 or sportscentre@tewkesburyschool.org The Local Answer
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Page 17
Holidays & Travel with TLA Travel Expert
Consider a Scottish ‘Stay-cation’ With Christmas over and our bank balances lighter for the experience, the cold, dark and generally gloomy January is the time of year we start to think of far away holidays and yearn for the sunshine. However, more of us than ever are still feeling the financial pinch and this has led to a rise in the popularity of the ‘stay-cation’. Ideal for any budget, this type of break allows you to holiday without leaving the country, and you can feel virtuous in the knowledge that you are helping the economy by keeping your cash in the country. One option for a ‘stay-cation’ is Scotland – and there are some fantastic savings to be had if you are able to visit out of season. Remember, getting there should be half the fun so, if you have the time, you can pack up your car and drive from home. I recommend travelling at a gentle pace and staying in B&Bs along the way.
Explore the wilderness Allow at least four nights to get to Loch Lomond – the largest and one of the most stunning lochs in the Highlands. Wake up to sounds of the birds before tucking into a sumptuous Scottish breakfast and setting off on foot to explore the loch’s banks, or perhaps take a cruise
The Clansmen Hotel
Urquhart Castle
on the loch itself. Many of the B&Bs in the area will arrange a picnic lunch for a small charge and, as you explore the wilderness, you will be thankful for some light refreshment when you find the perfect spot to take a break and marvel at the scenery. After staying at Loch Lomond make your way to Loch Ness, passing Loch Lockie on the way. Try the local brew at the Loch Ness Brewery before discovering the mysteries of the Loch Ness Monster at the visitor centre – this is well worth a look. They showcase the history of the loch and try to give a more scientific explanation of what is in the depths of this ancient loch. I am sure it’s Nessie down there but there are still unbelievers! If you are feeling a little flush then you could take a flight from Bristol to Inverness and give yourself a base to explore the highlands by staying at one of the many affordable hotels on offer. After a day out discovering the canal or sampling the finest malt wiskeys, you can enjoy a superb meal created from fresh Scottish produce and then end the evening with drinks by an open fire, which will add a little holiday magic to your stay. The scenery and fresh air in Scotland makes for an excellent holiday so perhaps consider a Scottish ‘Staycation’ for your break this year.
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What’s On The Local Answer Event Listings are compiled and presented in good faith with the kind support of many contributors. We recommend you use the contact details provided to check event information updates prior to planning your visit. EVERY SATURDAY DECOY DOG DEMONSTRATIONS Watch our furry canine assisting with conservation work as birds are caught and ringed in the decoy nets. 2pm. Price included in admission. Book your place at the admission desk. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223. 2 JANUARY ARANKAS CACKLE Playing a blend of ska, reggae and dancehall inflected with their colloquial stamp of "ere" and "arr". Dowsed in cider and drenched in bass weight and then set on fire to create a sound to mash up di dance. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 01452 309340. 2–11 JANUARY SLEEPING BEAUTY
The Everyman’s Pantomime is back featuring the return of Tweedy The Clown and William Elliott as the Dame. Tickets start from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 3 JANUARY CBSO: THE MAGIC OF VIENNA
There’s no need to go to Vienna to toast the New Year – raise a musical glass of bubbly here in Malvern. There’ll be Strauss
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waltzes as sweet as cream cakes, polkas that sparkle like champagne as well as Mozart arias sung by World-renowned soprano Kate Royal. 7.45pm. Tickets from £19. Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277. malvern-theatres.co.uk. 4 & 25 JANUARY BRIDE & GROOM SHOW From Vintage to Classical Fairytale to Country Chic, you’ll find everything on display to help plan your perfect day! Free entry 11am-3pm. Bridal Fashions midday and 2pm. GL1 Leisure Centre, Gloucester (4th January) and Cheltenham Town Hall (25th January). brideandgroomshow.com. 7 JANUARY MISS FUSION A fusion of musical backgrounds and influences from soul, Northern, Motown funk, cool pop and anything with a groove. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. CHORAL SOCIETY Fairford and District Choral Society will start rehearsing on Wednesday 7th January for their next concert, on 15th March. We shall be singing Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine. New members would be warmly welcomed. Details on website – www.fairford.org/choralsociety. 8-9 JANUARY FLOODLIT SWAN SUPPER
9 JANUARY RADIO NASTIES An exciting high energy Retro Garage Rock band playing their own intense originals and the classics that everyone loves. Free entry before 11pm, £2 after. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 10 JANUARY IT SCHOOLS AFRICA
Experience the beauty and sounds of hundreds of wild swans on a floodlit lake before enjoying a delicious three course meal at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. This is a truly unique event perfect for wildlife lovers. Settle into the warm Peng Observatory and watch these wild swans, geese and ducks as they are fed on a floodlit lake. 6.15pm for 6.30pm start. £29.95 to include three course meal. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. 01453 891223.
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society sets out to present J.M.Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. But as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland, with hilariously disastrous results. 7.45pm (2.30pm matinees Wednesday and Saturday).. Tickets from £16 Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277. malvern-theatres.co.uk.
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Your local Rotary Clubs are collecting IT equipment on behalf of Cheltenham charity, IT Schools Africa. The charity is working to transform IT education in Africa; helping children escape the poverty cycle. You can help by donating IT equipment (in working order) on the 10th January. Drop off points at: Tesco Cheltenham (Tewkesbury Road) 9.30am1pm, Tesco Stroud 11am-12pm, Tesco Quedgeley 1.30pm-2.30pm, Morrisons Tewkesbury (Ashchurch Road) 9am-2pm. 19-24 JANUARY PETER PAN GOES WRONG
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WIN TICKETS! courtesy of Malvern Theatres
Saturday Night Fever! When John Travolta walked onto the dance floor in the smash hit film ‘Saturday Night Fever’, it changed the way we dance forever. This February don’t miss ‘Saturday Night Fever’ at the Malvern Theatres. The date is 1979 and in Brooklyn, New York, Tony Manero, a young man with a dead-end job and an extraordinary ability to dance, has only one ambition in life – to become the disco king. When he meets Stephanie – who also dreams of a world beyond Brooklyn – and they decide to train together for a dance competition, their lives begin to change forever. This brand new production of one of the most loved dance stories of all time is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees including the classics ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘Night Fever’, ‘Jive Talking’, ‘You Should Be Dancing’ and ‘How Deep is Your Love?’. Starring Danny Bayne – winner of ITV’s Grease is the Word – in the lead role of Tony Manero. A large and hugely talented cast of actor-musicians will play instruments, dance and sing in this spectacular new musical production. Co-producer Robert Stigwood is one of the world’s leading impresarios and entertainment entrepreneurs whose stage shows have included Hair, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar. 21 JANUARY MIKE PARKER Traditional blues, folk, Americana and acoustic rock come together skilfully in the repertoire of singer/songwriter Mike Parker. So, if you’re a fan of strong musicianship, meticulous yet free guitar picking and have a love of steel guitars then you will not be disappointed. 9pm. Free entry. Café René, 31 Southgate Street, Gloucester GL1 1TP. 21-24 JANUARY BOUNCERS
Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph are the original men in black as they tell the tale of one night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80’s in this outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever! All the gang are out on the town, the boys, the girls, the cheesy DJ, the late night kebab man and the taxi home, all under the watchful eyes of the
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Andrew Wright won Best Choreographer at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2013 and was nominated for Best Choreographer at the 2012 Olivier Awards and Broadway World 2011 Awards for his choreography of Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Singin’ in the Rain. Tickets start from just £17 and may be booked online at malvern-theatres.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01684 892277. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets to see the show on Tuesday 3rd February 2015 (7.30pm), send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Saturday Night Fever’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Saturday Night Fever’. Closing date: Thursday 15th January 2015.
Bouncers. Various times. Tickets from £13. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. EDUCATING RITA Willy Russell’s play Educating Rita is a modern classic telling the story of hairdresser Rita, who feels that life has passed her by. 7.30pm (2pm matinee Saturday 24th). £10. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 21-25 JANUARY ALI BABA Promenade Productions present this classic tale which follows the adventures of young Ali Baba and his trusty camel and their attempts to stop the evil Mustapha Lot from stealing an all powerful sword. Can he save the day? ‘Oh yes he can!’. £8-£14. Evening performances: 7pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees: 2.30pm. The Bacon Theatre, Hatherley Road, Cheltenham. 01242 224144. promenadeproductions.co.uk. 25 JANUARY BURNS NIGHT SUPPER 3-course traditional Scottish feast, themed music and poems. £30 per person. Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall, Bondend Lane, Upton St Leonards, Gloucestershire GL4 8ED. 0844 815 9077.
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26-31 JANUARY AND THEN THERE WERE NONE To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, ‘And Then There Were None’ is revived on stage. 7.45pm (2pm matinees Thursday and Saturday). Tickets from £15. Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk. 28-31 JANUARY MAN ALIVE!
Award winning Box Tale Soup are back with their adaptation of G.K.Chesterton’s Manalive! Featuring beautifully handcrafted puppets and stunning original music, join us for the world premiere at the Everyman. 7.45pm (2pm matinee Saturday). £10.50 (£9). Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham GL50 1HQ. 01242 572573. everymantheatre.co.uk.
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Dig out your boots and tighten your studs Gloucester Rugby is proud to offer your child an experience that will give them exceptional insight into the game at its heart, transform their skill level or simply just have fun with former Gloucester Rugby and Samoan international player Terry Fanolua who will be leading the junior camps. Not only will they learn the tricks of the trade from the experts themselves, but each attendee can see the techniques they will have learnt in action with a free ticket to watch the Aviva Premiership clash between Gloucester Rugby and London Welsh on the weekend of the 21st February. Terry, along with the experienced Community Rugby Coaches, will provide a fun and friendly environment to allow your child to improve their game with bespoke feedback and specially tailored individual advice about how they play. The camp’s skills session will focus on: • Handling: the basic principles
WIN TICKETS! Gloucester Rugby take on London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday 21st February, kick off 3pm. For your chance to win 2 tickets simply answer the following question:
• Decision Making: fundamentals of game understanding, evasion and attacking play Name the 3 Gloucester Rugby • Contact: tackle technique, rucking, mauling players that were England and defensive systems Rugby squad members in the • Running: the principles of speed and agility • Analysis: to improve game 2014 autumn internationals. understanding Send your answer, name, email • Team Building: a vital element address and contact number to that means the difference competitions@gloucesterrugby.co.uk. between victory and defeat Don’t forget to mention you’re It doesn’t matter what level of a reader of The Local Answer! ability your child plays at, everyone – both boys and girls – between the ages of 8 and 13 is very welcome. The camp costs just £60 or you can get two places for £100 with the special gift code: FEB15. Give your child an immersive experience that will provide them with skills that they GLOUCESTER RUGBY can use and develop for years to come. Kingsholm Stadium, Kingsholm Road Visit GloucesterRugby.co.uk/RugbyCamps Kingsholm, Gloucester GL1 3AX to book, or to request additional information, t 0871 871 87 81 please contact Jack Thomson via email at e admin@gloucesterrugby.co.uk CommunityMarketing@GloucesterRugby.co.uk. w www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk
WIN TICKETS! courtesy of the bacon theatre
Treasure Island Prepare to embark on a sea-faring, swashbuckling adventure on January 31st, as Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of murder, money and mutiny is brought to life. The National Theatre Live’s production of Treasure Island is a thrilling new stage adaptation by Bryony Lavery, filmed from London’s South Bank in High Definition and 5.1 Surround Sound and presented on The Bacon Theatre’s big screen. It’s a dark, stormy night. The stars are out. Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Tickets cost just £16 (£14 for concessions) and may be booked online at bacontheatre.co.uk or by calling 01242 258002. There will also be a special half-term encore screening of Treasure Island for families on Wednesday 18th February at 2pm. Tickets for the half-term encore cost £10 (£8) or £32 for a Family ticket. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Treasure Island’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email by sending your details, stating ‘Treasure Island’, to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk. Closing date: Thursday 15th January 2015. Page 24
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WIN TICKETS!
courtesy of the Everyman Theatre
You can’t escape the watchful eyes of the Bouncers Lucky Eric, Judd, Les and Ralph are the original men in black as they tell the tale of one night in a Yorkshire disco in the 80’s in John Godber’s outrageous parody of Saturday Night Fever! All the gang are out on the town – the boys, the girls, the cheesy DJ, the late night kebab man and the taxi home, all under the watchful eyes of the Bouncers. A multi award winning play written and directed by John Godber featuring a frightening array of northern talent. Tickets start from just £13 and may be booked online at everymantheatre.org.uk or by calling the box office on 01242 572573. To enter our draw to win a pair of tickets, send your name, address and telephone number to ‘Bouncers’, The Local Answer, 1 Ullenwood Court, Cheltenham, GL53 9QS. Alternatively, enter via email – send details to competitions@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Bouncers’. Closing date: Thursday 15th January 2015.
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Picture Perfect Winter Wildlife
“Are you looking at me?” Thanks to all of you who sent in your wonderful pictures to enter our ‘Winter Wildlife’ competition. Congratulations to Michelle Tocknell of Gloucester who submitted the winning image (above) and has won tickets to The Bird and Deer Park at Prinknash to see the beautiful creatures living there. Some of our other favourites are pictured below and above right.
Win a romantic break for two! The theme for our February competition is ‘Most Romantic Gesture’. Please submit a photograph and short statement of no more than 100 words telling the story behind the romance. Courtesy of Wine & Sausage restaurant at The White Hart Inn, the winner and their loved one will receive a 3-course Valentine Dinner and a bottle of Champagne in the heart of the Cotswolds. To enter, email your photo and story, along with your name, address and telephone number to editorial@thelocalanswer.co.uk stating ‘Wine & Sausage’. One entry per person. You must ask permission to take photos of anyone or their belongings. See Index page for full competition rules. Closing date: Thursday 15th January 2015.
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Why not add value to your property by changing your Front Door. At C&L Windows we have a wide range of Composite, Panel and Centre Mullion Upvc doors.With a wide range of glass designs, to make your door unique and bespoke to you. Your Front door can say a lot about you in ways of curb appeal, first impressions & add value to your home, and most importantly, keep you warm and draught proof.
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LOCAL ROOFER
Female Plumber
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In The Garden with Julia Smith
Start as you mean to go on Your first New Year’s resolution is to recycle the Christmas tree rather than leaving it in the garden as a reproachful skeleton until August! Garden centres and local recycling centres will quite often take them, and I have checked that the Cheltenham Council collects trees 4ft or under left out on the first refuse day after Christmas – I should imagine the other local councils do this too.
sowing early crops. This will also cut down on the weeding. Weeds still grow even in the chilly weather – keep on top of them and it will save time later on in the year. Dandelions, docks and other perennial weeds with long taproots can be removed at this time of the year more easily than at others – make sure you have the whole root out or it will just regrow. Garlic grows best when it has endured some winter chill and rain, so plant out individual cloves in a sunny spot, pointed end up, 15cm apart with 2.5cm of soil covering them. If the soil is heavy or really wet you can start the cloves off in small pots of soil-based compost and leave outside in a sheltered spot ready to plant out in spring. January is the right time to give wisteria its winter pruning. Cut back the whippy
stems that have grown last year to two or three buds – this will create flowering ‘spurs’ to bloom in the summer. Do take care if you need to use a ladder – make sure the bottom is secure on a flat surface and don’t lean over to make it unstable. If you have a vast wisteria that has gone beserk after being ignored for many years, it may pay to get in a specialist gardener who can get it back into some semblance of order and enable you to carry on with it yourself in the future.
Try forcing some rhubarb – cover the dormant buds with either straw or dry leaves inside a terracotta forcing pot or a large bucket to keep the light out. Tender pink stems will be produced in a few weeks time. Don’t do this to the same plant every year, as it will need to recover and build its reserves up. Clear the vegetable garden of old crops and cover the ground with a layer of black plastic to help warm the ground for
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Andy Durrant 07786 602 992 Stuart Parker 07866 534 925 E: andydurrant7@hotmail.com W: www.landscape-creations.co.uk
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Live in style...
shutters store
Due to increased demand, and a desire to deliver the best service possible, our showroom is now only open by appointment. You will be free to browse at your leisure, without pressure. Experienced staff will be on hand to help and advise.
For the widest range of blinds visit Gloucestershire’s largest indoor showroom... Unit K Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 7FD Call 01242 526 189 to arrange a showroom appointment or free home visit
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Interior Design with Vicky Walker
10 tips to refresh your living room Is your home suffering from the winter blues? Here are some simple ideas that will breathe some new life into your living room and transform it into the stylish, relaxing space you are looking for.
4. ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Pay attention to small details such as using steel fittings all the way through your house to give a polished contemporary feel. If you prefer a more traditional look, burnished brass is much nicer than shiny 1. SAD SOFAS Freshen up tired sofas and chairs with new plain brass. covers – they will prolong the life of your 5. TEXTURE furniture and be the starting point for a Go for contrasts of texture to add interest whole new scheme. to simple colour schemes. Thick woolly throws and chunky ribbed carpets will look 2. FOLIAGE A floor standing warm and welcoming. A battered leather plant turns an chair adds another dimension, then either empty corner silk or linen curtains. Using textures into a focal ensures your scheme will not look flat and point – there are will have a lot more life in it. some great faux ones around if you are not green fingered or prefer plants that don’t require any maintenance.
3. MUTED PASTELS Soft, muted pastels often create a tranquil atmosphere. Try sage green or slate blue and introduce some metallic touches for a sense of luxury. Deep blue and grey are very much in vogue at the moment and create a much more moody feel to your room. They can work if your room is dark – you just need to know how!
8. BRIGHT IDEA Make a statement with your lamps – look for a shade that picks up a particular colour from your furnishings. Rather than having a central pendant light, try a side lamp or floor lamp, which will create a lovely calming atmosphere.
9. LIVEN THINGS UP
Introduce patterns for a lively look, but remember to experiment these patterns in a limited colour palette – ideally stick to two or three colours and this means you 6. SUPERSIZE can mix patterns such as stripes, checks Oversized patterns look fantastic in small and florals. Be careful with the size of the doses. Try adding a bright and bold design as well. patterned throw to your sofa or paper one wall in a large scale design. If you feel you 10. HAVE IT YOUR WAY may tire of this quickly, purchase a crazy Lastly, ensure it is your style and that you design of fabric and stretch it over a frame can live with it – then you will love the – this will be easy to replace should you result and will only need to add the odd get bored of it. accessory from time to time.
7. RUG UP An interesting design laid on wooden flooring or a plain carpet can transform your floor and also provides an extra layer of comfort and warmth.
n 5% t rt tio ) a n ve unc ard tr ou ad conj nt c Ex isc is in ou D th sed r disc u e ith be th w nnot any o a (C with
Theocus Furniture
QUALITY FURNITURE FOR EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOUSE
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01684 298400 www.theocusfurniture.com The Local Answer
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Page 33
blinds store
Live in style...
Due to increased demand, and a desire to deliver the best service possible, our showroom is now only open by appointment. You will be free to browse at your leisure, without pressure. Experienced staff will be on hand to help and advise. For the widest range of blinds visit Gloucestershire’s largest indoor showroom... Unit K Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 7FD Call 01242 526 189 to arrange a showroom appointment or free home visit
main dealer
Showroom open by appointment: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Saturday 10am-4pm
FREE EASY PARKING! www.newblindscheltenham.co.uk
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y r a u n a J Sale Modern and Designer Furniture
• E S TA B L I S H E D 1 9 2 9 •
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The Winnen Furnishing Company
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FANTASTIC SAVINGS! Neptune Business Centre
THE WINNEN FURNISHING COMPANY
www.winnens.co.uk
Unit 18 Neptune Business Centre Tewkesbury Road Cheltenham GL51 9FB t (01242) 521661 e info@winnens.co.uk
The Kitchen Workshop 01242 526960
Beau ful Kitchens Stunning Prices
www.cheltenhamkitchenworkshop.co.uk
Albany Windows is a local family business. First and foremost we are installers, which is important because installation is the difficult bit and we are small enough to maintain close control over every job. But we are big enough to obtain supplies directly from large, high quality manufacturers of PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.
WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEMS
Whatever your requirements, we have glazing options for every need and budget, from a single window to a large conservatory. We supply some of Gloucestershire’s leading builders of quality homes with their glazing, but we also carry out double glazing and conservatory repairs and replace misted sealed units.
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Save the Planet with Lois Kingscott
Make a New Year’s resolution today! It’s New Year’s resolution time. Some of you may promise to go to the gym more, some of you may decide to drink less, while others have simply given up on the whole ‘resolution thing’. It’s not just about you though – we should all be doing our bit to create a much healthier environment, and a resolution is a perfect way to get started.
SAY NO TO BAGS Since the Welsh Government introduced the charge for single-use carrier bags, the distribution has reduced by up to 96% in some retail sectors. Over four billion bags are thrown away each year in the UK, many of which litter landscapes and threaten our wildlife. So, when you head to the High Street to hit the January sales, take a ‘Bag for Life’ or two. They’re stronger than plastic or paper bags, meaning they can hold more weight – great for you, not so great for your finances. Once you get used to remembering your reusable bag, it’ll be second nature and a small step towards cleaning up our towns, cities, countryside, rivers and seas.
MAKE IT HABIT We all have everyday habits – brushing our teeth, dressing, eating regular meals, exercising, etc. Habits by nature are easy to maintain, and it’s not difficult to pick up
new ones either. Recycling should be a priority habit – it’s certainly very important. When you buy a bottle of coke, wash it and use it as a water bottle for the gym. When you print off too much paper, use both sides before recyling. When you cook too much food, freeze some of it (if appropriate) for an easy meal next time. Just make sure anything that can be recycled doesn’t end up in your general waste bin.
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Finally, palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet and is in hundreds of everyday products – from lipstick to pizza. It grows in the same areas as tropical rainforests, and the uncontrolled clearing of land for plantations has led to widespread loss of irreplaceable habitats – home to many already endangered species. The good news is that palm oil can be produced in an environmentally responsible manner, so you don’t have to give up these products. Just make sure the packaging displays either the RSPO or Green Palm Sustainability labels – both mean the oil is from sustainable sources.
Want to treat yourself and do something good for the environment too? Try investing in the most fuel efficient car you can find. Electric and hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular and, as well as being more efficient, could reduce or eradicate your road tax – bonus! Alternatively, why not try to use MAKE A POSITIVE START! public transport more or ‘car share’ There are so many more resolutions you with friends or colleagues travelling in the could make – save water, make a compost same direction as you? pile, cut down fast food, volunteer for START THEM YOUNG a charity, donate By involving the whole family, items you don’t you can teach children from a need or use, and young age that being many more. Even environmentally friendly is a picking just one great thing to do. Children are thing that will help particularly impressionable – if the environment is they see you doing something a fantastic thing to good, they are likely to copy. do – just think of They also love positivity so if the impact if you praise them for turning a everyone else on light off or putting a piece of the planet did the card in a recyling bin, they will same! want to do it again.
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Page 39
SPECIAL OFFER for New Customers
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Page 40
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ADVERTISEMENT
Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!
It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames – has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Paul Spiller feels that it’s all about service: “Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just
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about saving people money, although that obviously helps. “Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.”
Cloudy2Clear service Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, and Paul is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. “The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount
To advertise call 01242 510500
of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.” So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Paul a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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Stoves & Fireplaces Cheltenham
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Come and visit us for great ideas Gas & Electric Fires | Fireplaces, Hearths & Mantels Multi-fuel & Woodburning Stoves | Accessories | Installations Showroom at: 78-80 Winchcombe Street, Cheltenham GL52 2NW
01242 241164
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awnings store
Live in style – inside and out... Due to increased demand, and a desire to deliver the best service possible, our showroom is now only open by appointment. You will be free to browse at your leisure, without pressure. Experienced staff will be on hand to help and advise.
Telephone 01242 526 189 for showroom appointment or home visit
Showroom open by appointment:
FREE EASY PARKING!
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Saturday 10am-4pm
Unit K Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Leckhampton, Cheltenham GL53 7FD
www.awningscheltenham.co.uk The Local Answer
Don’t look until you’ve finished! Solutions on ‘Index of Advertisers’ page.
A&M Pain ng and Decora ng
Interior & exterior Wallpapering/special effects No job too small Free quota ons – unbeatable prices Call Adam McIntosh on 07703 057647 adammac2008@hotmail.co.uk
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 43
Take Five for help with ...
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Professional Services
We can also help with Business Start-ups Training & Software take five
Money Matters with Roger Downes of Andorran
What’s in a number?
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ALEXANDER BURN FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn is an independent family business with three offices in the Cheltenham area.
COURTEOUS, EFFICIENT AND RESPECTFUL 24 hour personal service Private chapels of rest
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As we enter 2015, I’m told I’ve got a “big birthday” coming up this year. Like everyone before me, whose age ends in a zero, I shrug it off with comments about being as old as you feel or life beginning at my new number. It made me think about how much numbers affect our lives – sometimes in a completely meaningless way, but at other times fundamentally. Money is, of course, numbers with a currency sign in front of them. Some of the richest people in the country make fortunes by simply moving numbers around in the City of London. They’ll tell you there is a science and skill to it – but we don’t believe them, do we? It’s just playing with numbers.
Numbers come in all shapes and sizes Every story that emanates from government is about figures, be it the value of the deficit, rates of tax, levels of unemployment or the number of days until the general election. More of that to come this year of course. Numbers come in all shapes and sizes. Our trader friends in the City don’t recognize them unless they have at least six noughts attached. Politicians of different parties will give us completely differing figures to each other when they are reading the same number. I need some help with that one and I make my living dealing in figures. What chance do those with less numerate skills stand? Maybe the most important numbers to the British public every week are the small ones – from 1 to 49 in the shape of the National Lottery balls. These little numbers can change your life in an instant, as long as you can overcome the 1 in 14 million chance of finding the winners! I’m going to regard my number as a little one too, but I’m planning to enjoy my 2015. I hope you are too – Happy New Year!
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Page 45
Get y o u r bu si n e ss m o t o ri n g The Local
ANSWER
To advertise telephone:
01242 510500
AVONSIDE PRIVATE HIRE Happy New Year from all of us at Avonside
8 Seater Minibuses Available
01684 293916/ 01684 292580 DD Mini Bus Hire 12&16 Seater mini buses available for advance bookings only 01684 273273/294122
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Gloucestershire’s VW AUDI Group Specialist Servicing From £95.00 MOT £39.95 Cambelts From £249.00 Air Conditioning regas £45.00 Free Courtesy Cars – Collection & Delivery
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Gloucestershire’s POWERSTATION is a one stop performance car service and tuning centre Northway Trading Estate, Northway Lane, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 8JH. Tel: 01684 296675 Workshop Open: Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00 Sat 9-12.30 Please quote www.powerstation.org.uk TLA
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Page 46
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Motoring with Christian Tilbury
Get a grip on winter driving With harsh weather and short days, winter is far from the nicest time to take to the road. The conditions place a greater strain on your car so it’s more than a little wise to make sure that yours is prepared for all that nature can throw at it. Your car’s battery, lights, tyres, antifreeze, exhaust, ventilation system and windscreen wipers all have to work harder during the winter months, and a few minutes spent checking their condition and levels is a great way to protect yourself from getting caught out by an easily avoidable breakdown. Spending 10 minutes each week inspecting your car will ensure it can handle winter, will help keep you and your passengers safe and even save you money – simple checks can often highlight any issues before they turn into bigger and more expensive problems. If you want to literally avoid getting stuck then it’s also worth considering a set of winter tyres – especially if you own a rear-wheel drive car that is more likely to struggle for grip when the going gets
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tough. Granted, they don’t usually come cheap, but they do offer significant benefits compared to ‘normal’ tyres and not just in snow and ice – they provide better performance when the temperature drops below 7°C. A higher level of silica in their construction works to make them more supple than ‘normal’ tyres and, with a special tread pattern that enhances grip, they can drastically cut braking distances in ice or snow and even just when the road is wet. A more affordable way to get you out of a slippery situation are snow socks – proving ideal when you need to get going on that country lane or even simply help you negotiate areas that are off the standard gritting routes, such as housing estates. The socks simply slip over the driving wheels to instantly aid traction and can usually be bought for any size of tyre. In fact, even some supermarkets sell them. Of course, nothing can guarantee you won’t get caught out, so ensure you’ve always got a good shovel, sturdy footwear and a high visibility vest in the boot for when there’s no other choice but to dig yourself out!
The best advice when it comes to winter driving though, is to simply take it easy and reduce your speed. If you’re tackling snow or ice then be gentle on the brakes and accelerator and avoid sharp steering input – especially on corners. To slow down without locking your wheels, select a low gear early, let your speed fall and gently apply the brakes – remember, in such conditions you may need 10 times the normal distance to stop.
To advertise call 01242 510500
Page 47
WORD SEARCH S K I K Y W W E N Y S G N A L D L U A S U V L L
Q K A C S S I K V S F K E C V W F T Q A A I M E
R M R L W W O I I E N F W O C B Q F D F G O M X
W X P O C M T I S J E R R G R O B E V B U X T C
N G I O W T H T D A W K A A P K Y G U X C F Y R
T E N R E E I S U N Y E I T B U F F E T G O H K
K D W F V V R L X U E Y D D D Q L I J V U S R X
L Q N Y I P H I O A A T G N I G N I S O S D U J
J O X T E B S X F R R R S F A O G Q Z I W N P J
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FIREWORKS FRIENDS FESTIVITIES HOLIDAY JANUARY KISS MEMORIES MIDNIGHT MUSIC
NEW YEARS DAY NEW YEARS EVE PARTY RESOLUTION SINGING TOAST TRADITION
M G S S P O P G D N E W Q T X I A V O K Q F A O
D E T O R O P P E A W G B Z G E T J J J D N E Q
Z J M H O N M T J D Y C A X N Q Z F B J C J N C
A S H O P S A R E S O L U T I O N I M I H H G O
V C I U R R J R Y U K C F Z Y Z H G N S F O A U
H I V Z B I W S N A I S H A L V Z G N T X E P R
C I G E Y O E T J S D W K I M Z C N U W F M M U
D L L G I H D S U Z O I Q R F I N R H R K A A C
E E J A T O Z M Q W A I L Y C X L J J O V I H J
C K I O W A A V G Q O A U O B P L Y H C J D C Q
M I D N I G H T M C X Y Y R H A U G I N I C O G
ABBEY FRYER
2-4-1
Jumbo Sausage & Chips
until 31st January 2015 with this advertisement
Opening Times: Monday-Thursday 11.30am-2pm & 4.30-10pm; Friday 11.30am-2pm & 4.30-10.30pm; Saturday 11.30am-10.30pm; Sunday 4-9pm
N O I T I D A R T A P U P S U S I F T L W U E U
69 Barton Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5PY ~ 01684 292365
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Gadgets & Gizmos with Dan Wood
Christmas was just the warm up You've got streamers in the cobwebs and the faint smell of Scotland’s finest lingering in the air. With the 2015 calendar in situ and boxes of “it’s the thought that counts” gifts taking up much needed space, what’s left to do? Treat yourself! Christmas was just the warm up and here’s some inspiration.
APPLE SMART WATCH This gadget is set for release in early 2015 and serves to complement the already formidable Apple tech arsenal. This game changer includes a laminated flexible retina display made and milled from a single sapphire, a zirconia rear plate comprising infra red and visible light LEDs to detect heart rate, inductive charging (wireless), a choice of six different straps and a side positioned watch dial named the ‘digital crown’ for control.
Designed to work in tandem with the iPhone, this watch acts as a smaller, easily accessible interface without the need to reach for your phone. This will prove popular with those investing in the new iPhone 6, measuring up at 5.44 x 2.64”. Like the built-in sat nav to your otherwise standard family car, this gadget isn’t entirely necessary, but it would certainly make life easier and is one cool bit of technology BUILD YOUR OWN SOLAR I certainly want my hands on! As yet, POWERED GADGET BOT no price has been confirmed but For kids, this month I turn to the ‘Build rumour stands at £225 plus. your own solar powered gadget bot’ range. These popular kits come in the form of six bots – including a car, a plane and a boat. A fun activity with a useable toy at the end, this range brings education and play together in an enjoyable and informative setting. Priced at £5-9 on average, general feedback looks positive – though some components are small and may frustrate those with less SELFIE STICK patience, so adult With phones and smart watches help may be comes social media. Giving the nod required. to online photo sharing we have the recent release of the ‘Selfie Stick’. Priced on average at £6-8 this extendable arm clenches the user’s mobile phone and allows the perfect selfie (a photo of one’s self) to be achieved. Popular with both genders, this is a must for any self-respecting selfie addict. But would you be seen with one?
Your local friendly garage offering
s ’ e i d Ed
MOTS ● SERVICING AND REPAIRS ●
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm
help@eddies-autos.co.uk Old Station Yard, Station Road, Beckford, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 7AN The Local Answer
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Page 49
Index of Advertisers FOOD & DRINK
RETAIL
Abbey Fryer Corner Cupboard Inn Wine & Sausage
48 7 27
Aquajardin Showcase Tewkesbury Cook Shop
9 25 5
WHAT’S ON
HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL
CLUBS & SPORTS Gloucester Rugby24Shipton Golf Course 10 Tewkesbury School Sports 17 Zumba with HayleyR 10 EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Bacon Theatre 24 Malvern Theatres 22 & 23 Promenade Productions 25 The Everyman Theatre 25
Miles Morgan
HEALTH & BEAUTY Blow Body4You Gravity NHS Let’s Talk Winchcombe Dance Academy
10 12 13 14 12
PROPERTY & STORAGE Engall Castle House Moves Newcombe Residential
2 4 6
18 & 19
HOMES & GARDENS BATHROOMS Severn Vale Bathrooms BUILDING SERVICES Home Care Property Marshalls Driveways R. Richards & Sons Ready 2 Repair Roofing Pristine Property Care Weathertech CLEANING SERVICES Oven Busters Pink Fairy Cleaning ELECTRICAL SERVICES Steve Holland Electrical FURNISHING & APPLIANCES New Blinds New Blinds – Awnings New Blinds – Curtains New Blinds – Shutters
51 28 30 28 30 30 30 40 40 40 34 43 28 32
Space Master Stoves and Fireplaces Theocus Furniture The Winnen Furnishing GARDEN SERVICES Cotswold Landscaping Landscape Creations Mark Clifford Landscapes HEATING & PLUMBING A&R Stove Installers KB Female Plumber Pete T Plumbing Platinum Plumbing The Combi-Man KITCHENS The Kitchen Workshop PAINTING AND DECORATING A&M Painting & Decorating Brian Mitten Christopher Rixon WINDOWS & DOORS Albany Windows C&L Windows Clearway Doors & Windows Cloudy 2 Clear Emperor Windows Firm Fix
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
32 43 33 36
CARE SERVICES Ashchurch View Barnwood Trust Samaritans Gloucestershire COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE Complex Systems FUNERAL DIRECTORS Alexander Burn Malcolm J Presland LEGAL & FINANCE Take Five Solutions MOTOR SERVICES Avonside Private Hire Carsmetix Eddie’s Autos Powerstation Twyning Garage V Hub OFFICE EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE Abbey Business Equipment PETS Dragon Vet Centre SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING Stevens Recycling UTILITIES Utility Warehouse
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Thank you for all who took part in our December competitions and congratulations to all the winners: Aquajardin – biOrb Halo aquarium – Wendy Spencer of Tewkesbury. Promenade Productions – pair of tickets to see Ali Baba – Patricia Martin of Bredon. Malvern Theatres – family ticket to see Aladdin – Nicola O’Reilly of Bredon. Sniff and Slurp – wine tasting evening – Trish Wilczak of Cirencester and Sarah Barnes of Churchdown.
1 Prizes are as stated and no cash or prize alternative will be offered. 2 Employees of The Local Answer and their families or households are not eligible to enter. 3 The first correct entry drawn at random after the closing date will win the prize as stated. 4 The winner will be notified by telephone after the closing date has passed. 5 The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6 Entrants must be over 18 years, unless
stated. 7 Proof of posting is not regarded as proof of receipt of entry. 8 The Local Answer accepts no responsibility for the provision of the prize, which remains at all times the full responsibility of the prize donor(s). 9 By entering any competition you agree to have your name published in the next issue of The Local Answer should you be drawn as a winner of the prize. 10 By entering any competition you agree to have your details passed to a third party.
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